The Growing Coworking Industry Is Revitalizing Communities In Africa

• Africa’s coworking potential is unlimited, and established workspaces are already enjoying success.  
• Collaboration with start-up businesses and local community engagement are two of the main features of the African coworking scene.
• Coworking could revitalize stagnant local communities and provide benefits with far-reaching and long-term positive implications for African economies.

Coworking across Africa is experiencing rapid growth led by innovative, dynamic — and often young — entrepreneurs. Workspaces founded by locals operate alongside some of the world’s largest coworking networks, including IWG/Regus and WeWork. These spaces are emerging in cities across the continent, offering the prospect of socio-economic benefits. 

Exciting times are ahead for coworking in Africa

Currently, 1,158 coworking spaces operate in Africa (there are 27,000 globally). The expansion of the coworking sector here appears to be on a parallel course with growth in the start-up sector. According to Coworking Africa, a widely acknowledged link exists between the two. 

Technology giants such as Instagram and Uber all have their roots in local coworking spaces. Many start-up businesses have discovered that coworking boosts productivity and can open doors to sustainable, profitable growth.  

Africa has several features that give it a competitive edge within the global coworking industry.  It is a vast continent comprising 54 countries, with a highly diverse population that includes speakers of more than 2,000 languages. Africa also has a very young population: 70% of the Sub-Saharan population is under the age of 30. Its youthfulness could be its greatest asset — if young Africans are provided with the education, skills and training required to ensure future economic growth. 

Africa is also one of the most connected populations on the planet — offering scope for pan-African productivity and international cooperation. If Africa continues to develop its potential and retain existing talent, the future of coworking on this continent will be secure.

What features are shared among the most innovative African coworking spaces?

Research on Africa’s most exciting coworking spaces revealed some common elements that increase their popularity. Many coworking spaces in Africa are based on a climate of cooperation, and offer opportunities for their members to join a community (several offer co-living spaces). 

Value concepts such as collaboration, cooperation and Ubuntu (a Nguni term for humanity) feature on the websites of many African coworking spaces. The partnerships that exist with start-up businesses are also crucial to the success of many coworking spaces in Africa.

10 common elements of coworking spaces across Africa

1.     Collaboration with start-up businesses, start-up hubs and incubators
2.     An active online presence (including social media, blogs, etc.)
3.     Flexible membership packages
4.     High-quality, modern office designs
5.     Eco-credentials and eco-friendly amenities and practices
6.     24/7 access
7.     Fast, reliable broadband connections
8.     Access to marketing opportunities and business networking events
9.     Flexible support for a variety of business needs (beyond start-ups)
10. Opportunities for social events (networking, informal meetings, talks, etc.)

Two additional, uncommon features that deserve a mention:

• A creativity and innovation hub for children
• A podcast studio for digital businesses

More investment is needed, but the future looks bright for African coworking

Many African coworking spaces began their journey during the pandemic. These organizations are now in their second stage of development — expanding locations and exploring new strategic partnerships. Technology is boosting this growth, but the benefits of technological advancement are not enjoyed equally across the continent. 

According to the World Economic Forum, 92% of technology investment in Africa occurs within just four countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Kenya. The geographical size and large GDPs of these nations render them more attractive to investors. Investors will also favor countries that offer favorable investment climates. For example, introducing more relaxed regulations, reducing socio-political barriers, and using the mechanisms afforded by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Coworking spaces require capital investment, infrastructure and the availability of resources (including real estate). Those conditions are the basic requirements for building a strong coworking sector. Once a thriving coworking sector exists, countries can consider whether they want to attract international (as well as local) members. 

In April 2022, South Africa became the first mainland African nation to introduce a digital nomad visa. The visa will encourage digital nomads (people who travel while working remotely using technology) to discover everything this country has to offer and connect with like-minded people. 

Digital visas can boost tourism and support local economies in the process. It’s also another reason why Africa needs coworking spaces — they are part of the required infrastructure for this increasingly popular work trend.

A report commissioned by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change — Supercharging Africa’s Startups — has revealed that by 2030, a staggering 230 million jobs in Africa will require tech expertise. According to the report, there needs to be increased commitment to providing high-quality digital skills training to fill these positions. Policymakers could approach established technology hubs and coworking spaces to assist in delivering some of this training. 

Coworking spaces in Africa are already demonstrating their ability to respond to ever-changing client demands and adapt to market changes — why not enable them to help Africa’s digital technology sector to flourish? 

Whatever the future holds, Africa’s coworking industries are already revitalizing communities and creating networks of entrepreneurs across the continent.